Lester G. Chandler, 85, of Balaton, passed away on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at his residence with his wife by his side after a courageous 14 month battle with cancer. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Balaton. Visitation will be from 5 – 7 PM on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the Life Remembrance Center in Balaton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Balaton. The Life Remembrance Center of Balaton is caring for the family.
Lester Glen Chandler was born on September 8, 1931 to Clarence and Blanche (Loats) Chandler in Tyler, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the Balaton Methodist Church. He grew up on the family farm west of Balaton and graduated from Balaton High School in 1949. After graduation, Lester attended the University of Minnesota Agriculture Campus in St. Paul for 2 years. In 1957, Lester was drafted into the United States Army and in 1958 he spent one year in Germany.
In 1956, Lester was united in marriage to Betty Knapper at the Balaton Methodist Church and lived on the family farm where Lester farmed with his dad and brother. After retiring from farming, he worked over 20 years with CHS in Balaton and Marshall. Lester was a life-long member of Balaton United Methodist Church where he has always been very active. He enjoyed volunteering, helping others and traveling with Betty. He loved family gatherings with all the family together. He really enjoyed working and having coffee with his friends at CHS of Balaton and Marshall.
On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, Lester passed away at his residence with his wife by his side after a courageous 14 month battle with cancer at the age of 85.
He is survived by his wife Betty of 61 years; children Steve (Sharon) Chandler of Olivia, Brian (Pam) Chandler and Brad (Stacy) Chandler both of Balaton, Colette (Robert) Reiners of Pierre, SD, Cheryl (Robert) Kack of Canby, Joel (Mandy) Chandler of Sioux Falls, SD, and Jayme Chandler of Balaton; eighteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren; siblings Marvin (Charlene) Chandler of Balaton, and Joan (FE) Brown of Lakeland, FL; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Blessed be his memory.